I Didn’t Think It Would Happen To Us

Nov 18, 2013

As twisters hit the Midwest and a typhoon hit the Philippines, innocent people and companies were hurt, losing material possessions and in some cases, lives. …

Outsourcing Your Customers’ Safety?

Sep 18, 2013

I’ve become accustomed to doing the order entry activities that suppliers used to do. I’ve even become fairly good at it, other than the occasional …

Fit For Duty? That’s Just Crazy.

Jul 8, 2013

The Cuyahoga County (OH) sheriff recently began requiring successful candidates for promotion pass a physical fitness test. The theory is simple: the job requires the …

The Coming Labor Shortage

May 14, 2013

As Chinese labor rates rise, Chinese pollution thickens, market demands for speed increase, and US energy independence becomes more likely, many companies are bringing work …

Breaking Brand Promise

Apr 24, 2013

For a recent trip to NYC I stayed at The Pierre Hotel at the SE corner of Central Park. I rarely choose to stay at …

What a Difference Death Makes

Mar 3, 2013

We are on our first cruise since the Costa cruise ship sunk off the coast of Italy, killing several passengers. At the mandatory 1st day …

Not So Strange BedFellows

Dec 11, 2012

Recently Toyota announced that it is partnering with Mazda to produce subcompact cars in Mexico to serve the North American market. There’s been much speculation …

John Wooden, Lead By Teaching

Jun 8, 2010

Sports just lost one of its greatest leaders when John Wooden passed away on June 4, 2010. Widely considered the best college basketball coach ever, …

What Is Operational Excellence?

Feb 4, 2010

Quality on-time delivery indicates something working well in operations, but does it mean an organization can accurately claim operational excellence? What characteristics would you expect …

Ask, Don’t Tell

Jan 10, 2010

When someone describes a problem to you, is your first reaction to offer your thoughts and a possible solution, or to ask questions to better …